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How visitors heading to New Braunfels rivers can prepare this Fourth of July weekend
By Garrett Brnger, Jarryd Luna at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
Thousands of tubers are expected to pack New Braunfels waterways for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers both run through New Braunfels and are popular summer attractions for tubers beating the heat. Friday and Saturday are expected to be the busiest days of the thre...
Key takeaway New Braunfels River and Watershed Manager Amy Niles said July 2025 had the lowest recorded amount of recreation of any July in the past decade.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The expected influx of thousands of tubers to New Braunfels' waterways this Fourth of July weekend will not only bring much-needed revenue to local businesses, but also put the city's river management and safety protocols to the test. Given the recent improvement in river flow rates, tubers can look forward to a more enjoyable experience, but it's crucial for visitors to be mindful of the "can ban" and take necessary precautions such as bringing reusable containers and wearing life jackets. The economic impact of tourism on New Braunfels' small businesses cannot be overstated, and a successful weekend could set the tone for the rest of the summer season. As the city welcomes visitors from across the region, including San Antonio , it's worth noting that the rivers' conditions and the local economy are closely intertwined, making responsible tourism practices essential for the long-term sustainability of this popular summer destination.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Thousands of tubers are expected to pack New Braunfels waterways for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers both run through New Braunfels and are popular summer attractions for tubers beating the heat. Friday and Saturday are expected to be the busiest days of the thre...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Garrett Brnger, Jarryd Luna at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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